Gay couple in our 30's moving to Phoenix...good areas to rent at first? (Scottsdale: apartment)

[GuppytoPS]

We are a gay couple in our 30's who are moving to Phoenix this fall for a new job promotion and we have no concept of where to live within the area. Both of us will be making pretty good money in our jobs so we can afford something nice, however, we do not want to overspend on renting so we can save some money to buy a house down the road. We would like to live in a safe area of town but are pretty open to suggestions. Living in an area with good restaurants and in parts of town that have people within our age group is important as well. Any suggestions are appreciated and thanks in advance!

[ElleTea]

Where will you be working? (what area specifically)

[GuppytoPS]

Work will be at the Good Samaritan hospital in Phoenix

[pbenjamin]

The historic neighborhoods north of downtown have a fairly large number of LGBT folks, that would be about a 12 minute commute. The Melrose area (around 7th Ave, between Indian School and Camelback) is another place that is often referred to as a "gayborhood". Both areas are adjacent to restaurants, etc. (the historic neighborhoods a little more) and have diverse populations of young professionals, empty nesters, etc.

[ElleTea]

The standard answer is that you should live within what is a reasonable commute to work for you. The metro area is HUGE. Knowing now where you will be working, and depending on budget, you should get some good suggestions from people here.

[locolife]

Based on where you're working and where you'll most likely feel most at home I can't recommend downtown Phoenix enough. It's a unique, arts focused, area that is growing at a fast, albeit annoying to some, pace. New eateries seeming to be opening up weekly and I personally can't get enough of visiting down there. As close to roughly 3rd Street and Roosevelt area you can get on your particular budget the happier I would guess you'll be. I am of course assuming you two would prefer a somewhat walk-able or more appropriately a bike-able area. The First Friday art walks will be sure to keep your culture side filled and the various performing arts venues, sports arenas, and burgeoning dining/night life scene shouldn't leave you with many bored nights. If I was buying all over again I'd look to the downtown Phoenix area. Getting to Good Sam would be close enough to bike or possibly walk, but even if driving it'd be a short hop.

[KurtAZ]

Yup, Melrose, Roosevelt Row...depending on what you want as a living situation (condo, SFH, apartment, etc.) and how long of a commute you would like. Downtown is being hyped quite a bit lately but I still think Old Town Scottsdale is the place to be in your 30s. The "gay couple" moniker really doesn't limit you to a specific neighborhood...just depends on what you want as far as neighborhood amenities.

[azdr0710]

as it seems you already know, do rent for a few months so you can get your bearings and orientation about the city, neighborhoods, vibes of areas......as suggested, I'd stay in central Phx N of downtown.....Scottsdale is all that, but not worth a somewhat-tedious commute into central Phx.....

many areas in the historic neighborhoods are already discovered and getting pricey, so be ready for that.....but I think it has nowhere to go but to continue up....

[43north87west]

It really depends on the vibe you are looking for. Restaurants are all over the place around here. I'd rent for a year and feel the area out. I have lived in a number of different parts of the valley, and the vibe in each is different. You'll get a lot of good recommendations, but it's something you have to decide for yourself, because Phoenix and suburbs are so large.